Luminarias Offer Beauty, History and Tradition to the Southwest
In Arizona we enjoy the ancient and unique holiday tradition of hand-lit luminarias (sources of light) lining our driveways, sidewalks, and outdoor living areas, the month or so before Christmas. It is a true luxury in our temperate climate that many others in the country don’t enjoy. The luminarias provide a warm glow and a great way to celebrate outdoors under natural lights. Luminarias, though not well known in all parts of the country have a very long history for outdoor winter ceremonies in the southwestern region of the U.S. Historically, luminarias were placed on walkways to guide people to midnight mass, as were bonfires or hanging lanterns. Though lighting luminarias are an ancient wintertime ritual, they offer a unique way to light up courtyards, patios and other outdoor living areas.
Luminarias are assembled using a small brown lunch sack, sand and small votive candles. The sand is added to the bag, and the candle is placed within the sand. Depending on the candle, these could stay lit most of an evening or perhaps all night long. The candles can be replaced and the luminarias can be used again and again if desired. The look is absolutely stunning and seems so appropriate for our desert lifestyle. For some reason, hanging icicle holiday lights in the desert doesn’t seem as natural as they do in cold-weather climates. The luminarias on the other hand seem as natural as a cactus here in Arizona.
In Phoenix, The Desert Botanical Garden has one of the most beautiful luminarias display in the Southwest, if not in the country. The botanical garden is lit with luminarias beginning at its entrance, along each of the paths, and meandering throughout the entire garden. Music, entertainment and drinks are available at many stops along the lighted route and create an awesome desert lifestyle holiday experience for its visitors as well as those of us that have made the event a family holiday tradition. Additional information on Las Noches de las Luminarias is available through the Desert Botanical Garden’s website, http://dbg.org. The dates for this year’s event are listed on the website as well as times and ticket availability. If you’re planning to visit the Phoenix area during the month of December, try not to miss this event. If you’re a Phoenix metropolitan resident that hasn’t experienced the Las Noches de las Lumiarias, it may inspire you to go home and light up your own outdoor living areas with this great tradition.
A Lovely Display of Luminarias
Related Arizona Custom Homes Posts; posts: